Death of education head a great loss to province — Mabuyane
The death of the Eastern Cape department of education’s acting head of department, Dr Soyisile Nuku, has been described as a great loss for the province and country.
Nuku died at an East London hospital on Wednesday afternoon after a short illness. He was 64.
His death came as a shock to many.
On Friday last week, he had addressed the media in East London alongside MEC Fundile Gade after the release of the 2023 matric results.
The province’s 2023 matrics achieved a pass rate of 81.4%, an increase from 77.3% in 2022.
Nuku, who took over the reins in April last year, was hailed as one of the contributors to the province’s stellar performance.
He came out of retirement in 2023, after having accepted premier Oscar Mabuyane’s call for him to serve as the department’s acting HOD.
Nuku was a former teacher and principal, who hailed from Bhungu village in Libode.
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga, whose office sent condolences to Nuku’s family and friends, is expected to visit the family in Libode today to pay her respects.
Mabuyane expressed sadness over Nuku’s death.
“We want to convey our deepest condolences to the family of Dr Nuku who was also family to us,” Mabuyane said.
The premier said Nuku was an astute administrator who had started off as a teacher and moved up the ranks to become a principal.
“He left the classroom to join the administration corridors, serving in various management positions, including as a deputy director-general, before he retired.”
Mabuyane lauded Nuku’s contribution to education in the province, describing him as a patriot who had stayed true to his calling.
“He was a patriot. When he left the service and we called him back, he did not hesitate.
“He came in with a plan and made sure the department moved forward.
“His passing is devastating, but may his soul rest in peace,” Mabuyane said.
Businessman Luthando Bara also hailed Nuku, saying he had contributed to shaping his life.
“He was my former principal at Victor Poto High [in Libode].
“I have no words to thank him for giving me a second chance when no school wanted to take me after having been bundled out of Palmerton High for ‘bad behaviour’.”
Teachers union Naptosa’s Eastern Cape CEO, Loyiso Mbinda, said: “It is with great sadness to have lost such a great head of department at a time when we are at our highest peak in terms of matric performance.
“This is a great loss for the Eastern Cape and the entire nation for losing a man of such knowledge and character,” Mbinda said.
Nuku will be buried at Misty Mount in Libode.